John Eustace must make no-brainer decision and re-unite with promotion winner at Derby County this summer

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The midfield at Derby County came under a lot of criticism for a large portion of last season, but it ended united and strong as the team improved significantly in the final months of the campaign.

John Eustace was crucial to the Rams’ turnaround, as he left Blackburn Rovers for the East Midlands in February and he helped reset a side that were sleepwalking towards relegation.

A major problem that he had, aside from a lack of goals from open play, was the fact that Derby did not have control over the middle of the park following an injury to David Ozoh, with the loanee having a tough spell at Pride Park.

The Rams are still awaiting their first signing, and supporters will want to see Harrison Armstrong return, but a fresh link with another midfielder who Eustace knows incredibly well is a very exciting proposition.

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Derby County must beat Wrexham to Lewis Travis

According to Football League World, Eustace is interested in re-uniting Lewis Travis this summer, while Wrexham Insider revealed that the Red Dragons are interested in a £3m move for the midfielder.

Derby used a 5-3-2 formation in the final few months of the season, and it served them well. However, it would not be a surprise to see this change to a 4-2-3-1, a system that would benefit Kenzo Goudmijn.

However, it would also mean that the Rams would need to find a player who can fill one of the two holding roles, and the Blackburn captain would be the perfect player to do this.

However, Derby cannot let a club who have only just been promoted to the Championship beat them to the signature of a player who will be key next season, and they must act quickly to bring Travis to Pride Park just over a year after he won promotion to the Premier League while on loan at Ipswich Town.

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Ebou Adams would benefit greatly from Lewis Travis

Ebou Adams praised Eustace for his role in keeping the Rams in the Championship last season, but Adams was also crucial.

However, Derby are having to wait on Everton for Armstrong, and they will need to find a player who can fill his shoes. Travis offers that, as well as plenty of experience.

The 27-year-old has an excellent relationship with Eustace and he could be the perfect partner to Adams, with the two having an incredible battle in midfield during the Rams’ 2-1 win over Blackburn in March.

His record of picking up yellow cards is a concern, but the leadership that he brings to a team far outweighs that as a benefit and Derby should make Travis a priority this summer once the transfer window re-opens.